FROM OUR EXPERTS

Your mother's chest pain could be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. Has she been assessed by a doctor or an ER? It's always best to have chest pain looked into right away. Other possible causes could be costochondritis (an inflammation of the tissue around the sternum) or a pulled muscle. Only a doctor's exam will be able to find the exact cause and treat it appropriately.

What does one do if she experiences major chest pains and medical examinations reveal no heart or BP abnormalities? This is a particularly good question because it applies to all fields of medicine, and to all people who at some time in their lives will become patients (Yes, even doctors). If a person is experiencing symptoms that are not accompanied by signs of disease, or evidence in the form of an abnormal test, the diagnostic work-up will sometimes cease. Yet the patient still has the symptoms. What should be done? First, were all the elements of your complaint dealt with? Please see my prior posting about preparing for a visit to a cardiologist . It is appropriate for a visit to any physician. Second, what constitutes a full work-up for chest pain? This is actually different depending upon the likelihood of different processes causing the discomfort. Arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease is quite unlikely in very young people (but congenital disease may be more ...

Full Question:
Is there any other way to get rid of a migraine that has been going on for 66 weeks and 24/7? I have been to 5 different doctors and still no one can tell me why it wont go away? I am on Topamax and Zomig for the migraines.
Since the migraines started I also got High Blood Pressure, then diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, then Fibromyalgia and now saying I have mini strokes.. The migraine pain has been the whole time on the right side including all the mini strokes as well.
Thanks for your time.. Jeanette.
Answer:
Dear Jeanette;
One of the best methods of breaking a long Migraine is IV infusion to break the cycle. There are several medications that can safely be used this way, preparing the way for developing preventive regimens that can work for you. There's information on this in IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines .
Another issue to look at is how frequently you're taking the Zomig. Taking Migraine abortive meds such as the triptans or erg...

Full Question: Now that allergy season is here, I have a headache everyday. I wake up with a headache and I go to bed with headache. I have had headaches since the age of 11. Therefore I know what type of headache I have. I take a 24 hr reactine everyday, but I still have to take Tylenol and Advil (I alternate between the 2) every 3 to 4 hours. It drives me crazy! What can I do more to get rid of these headaches? Thank you, Claudette. Answer: Dear Claudette; You say you know what kind of headache you have, but are you sure? Have you been diagnosed by your doctor? Allergies can certainly be a headache issue, but it’s also very common for people with Migraine to have more Migraines during allergy season. Whether you’re experiencing “allergy headaches” or Migraines, one thing is almost certain, that you need to stop taking Tylenol and Advil daily. Analgesics, whether prescription or over-the-counter, if taken more than two or three days a week, can compound the situ...

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